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Ask a Vet
Author: TriSec
Date: 04/14/2009 10:58:55
Good Morning.
Today is our 2,218th day in Iraq.
We'll start this morning as we always do, with the latest casualty figures from Iraq and Afghanistan, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4273
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4134
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3812
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3414
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 45
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 318
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 677
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 452
Journalists - Iraq: 139
Contractor Deaths - Iraq: 1264
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
$ 613, 348, 000, 000 .00
Last Thursday, leaders of the major Veteran's Service Organizations met with President Obama in the Oval Office. Never mind what they were able to accomplish, just ponder the fact that there was a meeting for a moment.
The previous occupant wouldn't give the time of day to Veterans or those that would support their transition back to civilian life...this truly is change we can believe in.
So, why were they there?
President Obama made a major announcement on April 9 about the future of veteran's healthcare. You all know this is an issue near and dear to our hearts here at 4F; I've blogged incessantly about the shabby treatment our veterans get in the VA system, and we're all too aware of the Walter Reed scandal and all its ramifications. The system is still groaning under the weight of red tape, overcrowding, and inept treatment, but the changes announced by the President may finally begin to address that and yes, they also fulfill a campaign promise. (Isn't that refreshing?)
Of course, there's no missing Paul Rieckhoff in the picture, and he issued the following statement via IAVA:
Do check the website for some additional embedded links and a video. Also, would you all please take the time to send a wee thank-you to the President? We took great joy in assailing the previous guy for his transgressions; we should be as quick to thank the current resident when he gets things right.
Today is our 2,218th day in Iraq.
We'll start this morning as we always do, with the latest casualty figures from Iraq and Afghanistan, courtesy of Antiwar.com:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03): 4273
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03): 4134
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03): 3812
Since Handover (6/29/04): 3414
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09): 45
Other Coalition Troops - Iraq: 318
US Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 677
Other Military Deaths - Afghanistan: 452
Journalists - Iraq: 139
Contractor Deaths - Iraq: 1264
We find this morning's cost of war passing through:
Last Thursday, leaders of the major Veteran's Service Organizations met with President Obama in the Oval Office. Never mind what they were able to accomplish, just ponder the fact that there was a meeting for a moment.
The previous occupant wouldn't give the time of day to Veterans or those that would support their transition back to civilian life...this truly is change we can believe in.
So, why were they there?
President Obama made a major announcement on April 9 about the future of veteran's healthcare. You all know this is an issue near and dear to our hearts here at 4F; I've blogged incessantly about the shabby treatment our veterans get in the VA system, and we're all too aware of the Walter Reed scandal and all its ramifications. The system is still groaning under the weight of red tape, overcrowding, and inept treatment, but the changes announced by the President may finally begin to address that and yes, they also fulfill a campaign promise. (Isn't that refreshing?)
Of course, there's no missing Paul Rieckhoff in the picture, and he issued the following statement via IAVA:
“Today is a very good day for our men and women who serve in uniform. President Obama has taken bold action on two key campaign promises to America’s veterans. Advance funding VA healthcare and overhauling the transition process for veterans from military to VA will eliminate two of the most significant bureaucratic hurdles that keep veterans from the health care and benefits they have earned. Veterans nationwide thank the Administration for making them and their families a priority.
The President’s announcement marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration and cooperation between the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. With the implementation of the Joint Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record Initiative, DOD and VA medical records will finally be electronic and interoperable. This initiative will help simplify the transition from the DOD to the VA for our nation’s heroes, and improve care for all veterans, especially the more than 33,000 wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. With this initiative, President Obama is finally bringing VA and DOD healthcare into the 21st century.
The President also reiterated his support for advance funding of VA healthcare. For nineteen of the last twenty-two years the VA budget has been passed late, forcing the largest healthcare provider in the nation to ration care. Imagine trying to plan for next month’s bills without knowing your next paycheck. That’s what we ask veterans’ hospitals to do almost every year. Advance funding will ensure that the quality of care for veterans will no longer be compromised by budget delays. With the strong support of the President and bipartisan leadership in Congress, advance funding can and must move forward this year.
Advance funding for VA healthcare and seamless transition between the military and the VA have been top legislative priorities for IAVA this year. IAVA applauds President Obama, Secretary Shinseki and Secretary Gates for their leadership. We look forward to continuing to work together on the many other issues facing today’s veterans, including psychological injuries, unemployment and homelessness.”
Do check the website for some additional embedded links and a video. Also, would you all please take the time to send a wee thank-you to the President? We took great joy in assailing the previous guy for his transgressions; we should be as quick to thank the current resident when he gets things right.
